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Torres to miss first workout with visa issues

Padres general manager Josh Byrnes fields questions about the trade that brought Alex Torres and Jesse Hahn from the Rays

By Corey Brock
/
MLB.com |

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Only one pitcher will miss the Padres' first workout for pitchers and catchers on Friday.

Left-hander Alex Torres, who was obtained from the Rays last month in a seven-player trade, won't likely arrive in Peoria until next week after having visa issues in his native Venezuela.

Torres won't likely miss but a handful of early throwing sessions, but that won't be detrimental to him, especially since the team will be in Peoria for six weeks before breaking camp. Also, he's a reliever and won't need the requisite innings to build his arm strength as if he was a starter.

Torres is expected to handle a big role in the revamped bullpen that also includes righty Joaquin Benoit, who will handle the eighth inning and spell closer Huston Street if needed.

A year ago, Torres was able to handle righties (.149 batting average against) as well as lefties (.175). Because of that, he's not viewed as a left-handed specialist. The team could carry a second lefty in its seven-man bullpen.

On Friday, the team will have 29 pitchers and six catchers in camp. Some pitchers, including prospects Matt Wisler and Jesse Hahn -- who like Torres was acquired from the Rays -- will throw off a mound.

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.